Peer Counselor

DRISCOLL HEALTH PLAN•Corpus Christi, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the WIC Director and supervision of the Breastfeeding Coordinator, provides breastfeeding information, encouragement and counseling to pregnant and postpartum WIC clients. Services as a relief Customer Service Assistant when scheduled. Operates within the framework of Driscoll Children's Hospital mission, vision, and values.

Requirements

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or Hospital approved equivalent.
Must be able to conduct an effective client interview and teach individuals in a group setting.
Must be knowledgeable of community health and social resources related to breastfeeding.
Must be able to communicate with individuals of varying socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
Must have a previous, satisfactory experience breastfeeding a baby per SA guidelines.
Experience as a WIC mother is necessary.
Must be able to work outside regulator clinic hours and outside of the WIC clinic.
CPR rated within one month of hire.
Successful completion of all DSHS nutrition and breastfeeding modules within 3 months of hire and per DSHS regulations.
Successful completion of all DSHS applicable Training Modules within 3 months of hire.
Valid driver's license and good driving record.

Responsibilities

Maintains utmost level of confidentiality at all times.
Adheres to Hospital and department policies and procedures.
Adhere to Texas Department of Health policies and procedures.
Demonstrates business practices and personal actions that are ethical and adhere to corporate compliance and integrity guidelines.
Follows all DSHS provided training materials related to data collection, customer services, breastfeeding, and civil rights training.
Peer counselors will work 20% of hours outside regular clinic hours.
Hot line number will be checked and followed up once after clinic hours.
Peer counselors will provide STAT services to DCH NICU.
A cell phone will be used in outlying clinics.
A peer counselor will be scheduled on the WIC mobile weekly.
A peer counselor will visit Spohn nursery during clinic hours, as requested.
Client Contacts Responsible for contacting pregnant women in assigned caseload during their last trimester to determine if client has questions regarding breastfeeding.
Letter must be sent to those without phones.
Responsible for calling breastfeeding women in assigned caseload quarterly to answer questions or concerns regarding breastfeeding.
Letters must be sent to those without phones.
Documents all client contacts using the proper forms.
Forwards these forms to the Breastfeeding Coordinator each month and keeps all records per SDHS regulations.
Functions as greeter in the clinic in order to introduce breastfeeding program and direct clients to appropriate area.
Counsels new prenatal client concerning basic breastfeeding issues.
Schedule home visits, as necessary with with approval of the Director/Breastfeeding Coordinator, to support the new breastfeeding client.
Refers client to the Breastfeeding Coordinator or Lactation Consultant for advanced breastfeeding issues.
Refers client to their physician when breastfeeding issues may affect the child's of mother's health.
Refers all medication requests the client's physician.
Under the supervision of the nutrition or breastfeeding educator assists with breastfeeding classes and/or answering questions during prenatal classes.
As requested, completes a breastfeeding bulleting board and other materials to promote breastfeeding.
Requests mother's permission before touching the mother or child.
Under DSHS and departmental policies, provides breastfeeding pumps only to mothers approved by appropriate staff.
Completes all client training regarding breast pump use/safety issues.
Completes the appropriate forms, and has documentation reviewed by the clinic supervisor or designee (CSA II).
Responsible for contact clients using hospital grade electric breast pumps monthly.
Works on the breastfeeding monthly mail out, as directed.
Follows standard precautions and OSHA standards.
Provides a monthly summary of breastfeeding activities.
Completes duties of the CSA I position as assigned.
Performs general receptionist and clerking duties, manages appointment system, data entry, and vouchering.
Secures anthropometrics, a hemoglobin and hematocrit and completes a medical history review.
Conducts a financial assessment according to policies set by DSHS.
Assists with medical chart management, creates custom reports using the Foxfire system, completing daily and monthly reports as required by the grant and/or DCH.
Attends monthly in-service training for departmental and breastfeeding issues.
Responsible for helping meet/exceed the State Agency Performance Measure related to breastfeeding.
Maintains a professional demeanor at all times.
Completes audits as assigned.
Maintains expenditures and revenue within approved budget levels.
Works only within approved hours.
Demonstrated knowledge of policies and procedures.
Completes other duties as assigned.
Participates in Process Improvement activities of the Department and Hospital.
Attend Hospital and Departmental meetings as required.